KiteFlite Parade, Festival and Expo to Benefit AutismUp

AutismUp will host its 2nd annual KiteFlite Parade, Festival and Expo on Saturday, August 9 (rain or shine) at Rothfuss Park, 1648 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield.

KiteFlite is a family fundraising festival with proceeds supporting the expansion of AutismUp’s unique education programs that help today, develop support for tomorrow, and drive awareness of the future needs of the local autism community. Today, between 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism.

The event is open to the community and admission is free.

Official festivities kick off with an opening ceremony and kite parade at 11:00 a.m. around Rothfuss Park and the festival and expo follow until 2:00 p.m.

There will be appearances by the Rochester Lancers, Sponge Bob, Penfield Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff Mounted Patrol Unit, First Student’s Magic Talking School Bus and more.

Food concessions will be available for purchase by Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, Pasta Chef To Go, Sugary Delights Gourmet Cotton Candy, Coldstone Creamery of Webster and Starbucks of Penfield.

KiteFlite will also include a Resource Expo, where professionals will be able to share their knowledge, products and services with families and the public.

AutismUp (formerly known as UNYFEAT) is a wonderful organization I have had the pleasure of writing about many times and have personally seen help and enrich several of my friends families. It is the leading 501(c) 3 autism organization in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

Founded in 2004, by a small group of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it has grown to 1,400 members whose mission is to support individuals, and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life.

All money raised remains local to support custom programs and services.